Friday, July 3, 2026
ADVT 
Interesting

Tom Hanks used as physical distance marker

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Jul, 2020 10:09 PM
  • Tom Hanks used as physical distance marker

It could be "A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood" if you come across a life-sized decal of Tom Hanks in downtown Toronto.

Images of the Oscar-winning actor have been laid on the ground outside of two government-run liquor stores in the city's downtown, using his six-foot frame to help customers maintain their physical distance in line.

The decals show a bespectacled Hanks in a suit above the caption "'Hanks for keeping your distance."

The non-profit initiative was developed by Public Inc., a Toronto-based marketing agency, with the aim of injecting some fun into physical distancing.

"We were a bit concerned that people were going to let down their guard, that they weren't going to be as vigilant about mask-wearing and physically distancing," said Phillip Haid, the co-founder and CEO of Public Inc., on Friday. "That's what led us to ask, 'What would it take to remind people?'"

Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were diagnosed with COVID-19 in March, and both have since recovered from the illness.

"The idea was born with Tom Hanks because he was the first celebrity to get COVID-19 with his wife — and he happens to be six-feet tall," said Haid.

Haid also pointed out that Hanks has been outspoken in telling people to wear masks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus since recovering from the disease.

Although the decals are only outside two LCBO locations so far, the campaign will expand to more locations of the provincial government's liquor store chain and to some coffee shops, Haid said. He said the company came up with the project for "the public good."

Haid added that it won't just be in Toronto but at some point may be expanded to New York City, where his company has another office.

It's not clear whether Hanks himself is aware of the campaign.

Public Inc., purchased the rights to the photo, Haid said, and he hopes it will catch the actor's attention.

A message left with Hanks's publicist by The Canadian Press on Friday was not immediately returned.

MORE Interesting ARTICLES

Mark Zuckerberg: That Facebook Influenced Election Is 'crazy'

NEW YORK — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the idea that fake news spread on Facebook influenced the outcome of the U.S. election is "crazy."

Mark Zuckerberg: That Facebook Influenced Election Is 'crazy'

Pakistan Issues Visas To Over 3,000 Sikh Pilgrims

Pakistan High Commission has issued visas to as many as 3,316 Sikh pilgrims to attend birthday celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev from 12-21 November there.

Pakistan Issues Visas To Over 3,000 Sikh Pilgrims

Some Indo-Canadian Residents Left With Worthless Cash After Indian Rupee Cancellation

Some Indo-Canadian Residents Left With Worthless Cash After Indian Rupee Cancellation
On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in a surprise broadcast that his government was withdrawing all 500 and 1,000 Indian rupee notes — which are equivalent to about $10 and $20.

Some Indo-Canadian Residents Left With Worthless Cash After Indian Rupee Cancellation

Tests Reveal Winnipeg Infant Ingested Carfentanil, Parents Charged

Tests Reveal Winnipeg Infant Ingested Carfentanil, Parents Charged
Powder found at the scene was believed to be fentanyl, but tests show it was the much more powerful drug — a synthetic opioid that can be fatal in very small doses.

Tests Reveal Winnipeg Infant Ingested Carfentanil, Parents Charged

Canada Willing To Discuss NAFTA With A Trump Administration: Justin Trudeau

Canada Willing To Discuss NAFTA With A Trump Administration: Justin Trudeau
SYDNEY, N.S. — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is willing to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement with a Trump administration.

Canada Willing To Discuss NAFTA With A Trump Administration: Justin Trudeau

N.B. Military Member Accused Of Accessing Child Pornography While On Duty

N.B. Military Member Accused Of Accessing Child Pornography While On Duty
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service says Sgt. Brent Douglas Hansen was charged Wednesday under the National Defence Act.

N.B. Military Member Accused Of Accessing Child Pornography While On Duty